SKOB defeat De La Salle

St Kevin’s proved too strong for De La Salle in their top four clash at TH King Oval, running out 67-point winners.

SKOB piled on 28 scoring shots to 11 after they assumed control from the first quarter and increased their lead as the match progressed. Mitch Brown kicked three goals in a best-on-ground display for SKOB, making it two standout performances in a row after dislocating his finger in the Big V match against AFL Vic Country.

Lachie Sullivan and Nick Wood continued their outstanding individual seasons for SKOB, while Sam Williams and Jacob Gotch were named best for De La. De La remain fourth and half a game ahead of Xavs in fifth.

AROUND THE GROUNDS IN PREMIER

St Bedes/Mentone Tigers took a huge step toward avoiding relegation as they defeated University Blacks by 23 points at Brindisi St Oval. Old Xaverians snapped a three-game losing streak and drew within two premiership points of De La Salle when they defeated Beaumaris by 20 points at Banksia Reserve. Six goals to two in the final term gave University Blues a 22-point win over Old Trinity at Uni Oval. Collegians overcame a scoreless first term to secure their 10th win for the year, defeating Old Melburnians by 19 points at Sportscover Arena.

'PUP' RECEIVES VAFA MEDALLION FOR SKOB CONTRIBUTION

On Saturday, Tim ‘Pup’ Corrigan received a VAFA medallion as part of the VAFA’s 125 Year celebrations.

Tim ‘Pup’ Corrigan played 166 games for SKOB between 1974 – 1995, which included a Reserve Grade Premiership in 1976 and two years as player/coach of the Club XVIII side. After finishing his playing career, Tim took over the Presidency of the Club in 1995 and led SKOB’s through their most successful period in their 70 year history.

The Club went from D Grade in 1994 to their first ever appearance in A Grade in 1998, winning the C Grade Premiership in 1996 and an A Grade Grand Final appearance in 2001.

Tim was awarded Life Membership of the Club in 1992 and received a VAFA Certificate of Merit Award in 2012.

The St Kevin's Old Boys Football Club congratulates 'Pup' and thanks him for his dedication and support to the Football Club.

SKOB IN PRINT

HANDY BREAK AT THE TOP

St KEVIN’S holds a two-game break at the top of the VAFA Premier Women’s ladder after a hefty win over Melbourne University at T.H. King Oval on Saturday.

St Kevin’s faces a finals-like clash with Marcellin at Bulleen Park next Saturday while Old Xaverians, after Sunday’s assignment against Fitzroy, will make the trip to Bulleen to tackle Old Trinity.

MATCH REPORTS

PREMIER GIRLS ALMOST CRACK THE TON

The SKOB Saints this weekend played the curtain raiser to the SKOB Senior team at TH King.

We heard that our opponents have improved so coach Di Natale fired the girls up. Captain Dunell won the toss and kicked with the wind only to see Gaffney boot the first goal in 22 seconds from the first bounce. The Saints were focussed and vocal against Melbourne Uni. Trying as much as possible to use the corridor with the likes of Fink and Eliza Straford were knocking the ball on at all costs.

Sez Cameron booted 4 majors while “Jesse Hogan” Lupson snagged 3. The Saints have gained valuable experience on windy days by keeping the ball low and hard. “Superboot” Cropley was ever so reliable and Dunell had a great captains game, urging her team mates throughout the entire game. Not having any designated rucks for the day, kudos to Claudia Sullivan who bustled her way for the entire match and contested extremely well. In the end, the Saints had a 93 point win only letting the girls from Uni score just the one goal.

The last quarter coach Di Natale swung the team around with Izzy Rap and Brebs kicking their first goals. Brebs said after the game “After I kicked it - I didn’t know what to to do.” But her team mates did and rallied around both girls.

Our final game before finals is against Marcellin 9.20 am at Bulleen. A percentage of 466.91% sitting one game clear on top will give the girls some confidence. With players coming back next week from holidays and other commitments it is going gives the selectors a few headaches.

Final Scores: SKOBSaints 14.15. 99 to Melbourne Uni 1.0.6

#skobsaintsrock

SAINTS DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE

In tough and blustery conditions we were up against another bigger, stronger team so we needed to really use our strength which is our speed in space. Similar to last week, the ball spent a lot of time in our back half so we had to rely on the strength and combining of Ceel, Mel, Morgs, LM, Zaags and Annie to hold strong. Unlike last week we managed to take most of our opportunities and thanks to a last minute opportunistic goal from Steph we were able to split the points.

While we worked hard to get to the contest we let Swinburne get first possession much too often. We would then rely on our tackling to get the ball back. Many times Swinburne were too strong and were able to break our tackles and get clear. We MUST get down to the ball and take possession first. Our handball linking wasn’t where it needs to be at this time of year. When we did find a target we were able to get out into space and move forward but there were too many times we dropped the ball or missed the target and gave Swinburne a chance. Our shepherding and protecting each other wasn’t there either. We need to look after each other so we can find the space we need to move the ball. We will be working on these during the week.

When we did get the ball into space we looked really good. Nic, BA and Steph worked well across the centre to half forward line with help from Eb, Britt and Tina when they found space. AJ put her body on the line and lived up to our Selfless standard and ended up with a very very sore head.

The competition is so even that if we won by a point we would be on top. If we lost by a point we would be 5th. We haven’t locked in a finals spot just yet. We still need to beat St. Marys to keep a hold on 3rd spot and secure us a home final.

Look forward to seeing everyone out on the track this week in preparation for a huge match against St. Marys to end the regular season.

KELVIN RETURNS TO NT

SKOBBER Kelvin Williams has returned home to the Northern Territory to begin the next chapter in his role with the Growhope Foundation.

Kelvin has been a superstar both on and off the field at St Kevin's and although it's disappointing to lose his wonderful football talents, the Club wishes Kelvin every success as he aims to make a difference in the lives of indigenous youth.

Kelvin was part of SKOB's Premier B Grand Final winning side, often switching from defence to attack to give SKOB the spark it needed when the side needed some inspiration. Kelvin spent 2016 as a Richmond top-up player after his impressive year in SKOB colours.

Kelvin had this to say upon his departure:

Thank you to all the coaches/players and supporters at SKOBFC for all the support, guidance and mentoring over the last 3 years.

Thanks for being a part of my journey. I am looking forward to working with my community assisting and mentoring indigenous youth and continuing my work with the Growhope Foundation.

Go SKOB - Kelvin Williams

THE RUN HOME

Seniors

With five rounds remaining in William Buck Premier, SKOB has positioned itself beautifully to fight for a top finish. SKOB has a 12 point buffer from the third placed Uni Blues and 6 point break from the second placed Collegians. Furthermore, TH King will host three of Shannon Grant's men final five matches and SKOB not scheduled to face any side currently in the top five.

Reserves

The Reserves kept its finals aspirations alive with a big win over De La in round 13. SKOB currently sits in 5th position, one game behind Beaumaris in fourth. The two teams will meet in Round 15, but this week's clash against the third placed OM's will go a long way in determining the Reserves fortunes in 2017.

SKOB Saints (1)

The SKOB Saints have taken all before them in the inaugral VAFA Women's competition. The Saints sit atop of the ladder and have sown up the minor premiership heading into the final round of football this weekend. The Saints have been the highest scoring team and have conceded the least amount of points, proving its dominance throughout the home and away rounds.

SKOB Saints (2)

The SKOB Saints (2) had a slow start to the season, but have really gelled well together as a unit in the second half of the season. The Saints have been the highest scoring team and have conceded the least amount of points, but heading into the final round of the season positions 1 to 5 are all up for grabs, four points separating Hawthorn, South Melbourne, SKOB, Swinburne and De La Salle. The Saints need to beat St Mary's Salesian to secure a finals birth.